Whose Voices Are You Listening To ?

As post-abortion women we have reflected on the voices that played a part in our abortion decision. Some of the voices were those of our parents, relatives and friends. Some comments were actually spoken aloud at the time of our pregnancy. Some were comments we imagined might be made if people found out. And still others came from our own internal voice.

We invite you to
LISTEN TO THE VOICES WE LISTENED TO!
DO THEY SOUND FAMILIAR?

My mother had become pregnant with my oldest brother and married my father at an early age. Their relationship was very unstable and the whole family suffered from the disease of alcoholism.

As a teenager, I promised myself that I would never marry because of pregnancy. When I did become pregnant as a single woman, I was full of fear and confusion. I was just beginning my career and was convinced that single motherhood would have ended all my chances professionally.

From the moment I knew I was pregnant and for many years afterwards, I suffered with severe depression as a result of my choice.

Christian's Mom

When I was growing up, I had heard comments at home such as - "an unwed mother, how embarrassing", "getting pregnant as a single woman can mess up your life", "how could a young girl be so irresponsible."

So when I did become pregnant I recalled these remarks and combined them with some of my own negative thoughts -. "my parents are going to kill me, they will be so angry and disappointed with me, my boyfriend's parents will blame me for ruining his life, I'll never be a good mom, I am only a kid myself, how could you be so stupid, I am scared my boyfriend will leave me, or I will leave him."

Ashley Victoria's Mom

WHEN YOU HAVE ONLY
NEGATIVE INPUT, HOW CAN YOU
MAKE A POSITIVE,
LIFE-ENHANCING CHOICE?

I have realized that one of the voices I did not listen to was God's - for God is love and not fear.

I was listening to fear - "I don't have enough money, I can't do it on my own, how can I pay for daycare?, my health isn't great, my child will not get all it deserves, I will be incapable of being a good Mom." I lacked self-confidence. I was suffering from low self-esteem.

Grace Roberta's Mom

When we listed the voices that influenced our abortion decision, not once did we mention listening to God's voice.

When I got pregnant, all I could think about was how my father always had said to me "if you get pregnant, I'll break your neck". From what I understand, my father was born before his parents got married. I feel he was passing his own shame on to me. Mine was an alcoholic home so there was no one to turn to and in 1972 abortion was not talked about.

Although Elizabeth's father wanted to marry me, I was scared and I opted to listen to other's voices and not my own heart. My father's voice took over. Society seemed to say it was ok. My doctor suggested I go to New York for an abortion, since abortions were not done in Halifax at that time.

My thoughts were "what would others think of me, I am too young, I can't afford a child". I told myself that it seemed like the best decision because then no one would know and I could finish school.

Elizabeth's Mom

As mothers on this healing journey, we have lovingly named our unborn children.

Please listen to God's Voice:

Do not be afraid.
You are worth much more
than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:31